The big twist of the film that comes out of nowhere almost made me burst into laughter. There is no build-up, no effort at developing flesh around the twist to make it believable when it comes.

The only success that this film may claim to have is that all ghosts are nothing but the brain playing tricks due to parasomnia.

There is so much potential in this Naomi Watts film, but it’s incomprehensible…

With moderate production values, the film is technically polished with Paul Denham Austerbeery’s vivid production designs that are realistically captured by Yves Belanger’s efficient cinematography. Nathaniel Mechaly’s score desperately tries to elevate the viewing experience. The edits by Baxter and Maryline Monthieux, flawlessly camouflage the fault lines in the narrative. Overall, Shut In is mediocre fare.

I’m not sure which section of audiences the film was made for, but if you get time to see it later on DVD I suggest you give it a spin just to know the reveal, which in my humble opinion gives the ludicrous reveal of 2009’s Orphan a run for its money.

Screenplay writer Christina Hodson obviously did not have a clue as to how to connect the big idea with a credible story. So every attempt at generating thrills and scares appears fake. It’s also obvious that the mechanics have been ripped-off from much more assured material . There’s no compelling story here and neither is there any involvement. But for the heightened atmospherics, and the presence of Naomi Watt and Jacob Tremblay, this would have been an imminently forgettable experience.

There’s a campy attempt to create unnatural sexual frisson. None of the supporting actors, including the normally dependable Oliver Platt (playing a fellow therapist), brings any complexity to their roles.
Watch Shut In at your own peril.

You walk into this film, hoping to feel claustrophobic but walk out trying to shake off boredom.

A thriller set within closed doors, which would definitely make you not stay at home alone. The whole cast ensemble make the experience worthwhile.